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P3413 code meaning

Cylinder 2 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit/Open

Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light

What P3413 means

P3413 belongs to the exhaust half of the cylinder 2 block and reports an open control circuit for a separately driven exhaust valve actuator. No manufacturer documents this code publicly. The engines known to deactivate cylinder 2, GM's L84 V8 and the 3.6 L V6, switch intake and exhaust valves through one control valve per cylinder and therefore report circuit faults as P3409. The code would only apply to designs with their own control valve for the exhaust side; a GM patent application instead switches both sides with one shared valve and merely staggers them, exhaust first. CARB requires a continuity check for such output components. P3414 to P3416 complete the exhaust group. The driver would see a lamp and lose deactivation.

P3413 at a glance

  • Check engine lightYes, usually on
  • Emissions testCan fail
  • Limp modeNot expected
  • Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
  • Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
  • Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner

Symptoms of P3413

  • Check engine lamp on
  • Cylinder deactivation unavailable

Common causes of P3413

  • PossibleOpen wire or connector to the cylinder 2 exhaust actuator
  • PossibleActuator coil open
  • Less likelyEngine control module driver fault

Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.

Parts involved

Cylinder deactivation solenoidWiring harnessECM

What each part of P3413 means

PPowertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission.
3Mixed range: generic and manufacturer-specific codes.
4Area: auxiliary emission controls (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP).
13The exact fault in that area.

What to do next

  • Note P3413 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
  • Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
  • Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
  • Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.

Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.

Questions about P3413

What does P3413 mean?

P3413 means "Cylinder 2 Exhaust Valve Control Circuit/Open". P3413 belongs to the exhaust half of the cylinder 2 block and reports an open control circuit for a separately driven exhaust valve actuator. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.

Is it safe to drive with P3413?

Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.

Will P3413 fail an emissions test?

Yes, it can. P3413 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.

How hard is P3413 to fix?

Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.

Will P3413 clear itself after the repair?

Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.

Look up another code

Technical content: OBDex open OBD-II database (public domain, CC0), checked 2 Nov 2026, edited for US drivers by the VinGear team.
Technical sources for P3413